Microsofts Surface Pro 4 is a fine piece of hardware. It is technically a tablet with a Pen (stylus) that can transform itself into a powerful laptop when a keyboard is docked. The 12.3-inch display of the Surface Pro 4 with 2,736 x 1,824 pixel resolution makes everything appear super crisp. Microsoft calls this PixelSense - something that makes everything appear super sharp. It is barely 8.4 mm thick and weights 771 gm. The power key and volume controls sit at the top. The 3.5 mm jack for connecting a headphone is placed on the left, while a single USB 3.0 port and a Mini DisplayPort is fitted on the right panel. The pen accompanied with the tablet sticks magnetically to either side and the type cover to the bottom edge. A multi-position kickstand conveniently holds the tablet at almost any angle.
The overseas models are either powered by Core M, Core i5 or Core i7, but only two models (Core i5 and Core i7) are available in India. My review unit was the entry-model with Core i5 processor paired with a 4 GB RAM. It came with 128 GB internal storage and supported a memory card. Powered by Windows 10, it had the tile-based interface, a start menu, Edge browser, multiple desktops, Cortana and others. Setting up the machine took a few minutes. Windows Hello - the new built-in biometric security system from Microsoft - uses the front camera for face recognition to unlock the device. While it worked smoothly on most occasions, there were times when I had to key in the password manually as it refused to recognise my face. It asked for a Microsoft account. The tablet configured the Pen on its own. The much talked about Cortana, Microsofts personal assistant software, understands Indian English, and responded quickly and correctly to queries. The Surface Pro 4 has been designed to handle heavy graphics and data-intensive tasks. For instance, apps such as Stuff Pad worked smoothly on this machine. But it does not come preloaded with any software or app which need to be purchased separately. It supports 4k video playback and has also powerful speakers. The 8 MP rear camera is pretty efficient for a tablet. It captured good images when there was enough light, but struggled under low lighting. Microsoft has added a lightweight and compact adapter. On full charge, the Surface Pro lasted for a day with ease, despite heavy usage, including hours of video playback on Youtube.
Surface Pen: Microsoft has designed a Surface Pen, or stylus, which can be used for writing, scribbling or sketching on the tablet. The tablet has 1,024 pressure points to recognise Pen input that pairs over Bluetooth. Once configured, it works seamlessly with the tablet. Clicking the top button once launches OneNote. Double click helps in capturing screen shots that can be pasted on OneNote and long-pressing the top button wakes up the voice assistant Cortana. To erase, the pen has to be flipped. It is powered by a cell that lasts for almost a year and can be replaced at the service centre. Using the Pen replicates the experience of scribbling with a pencil and comes handy while taking quick notes.
Type Cover: To convert it to the hybrid mode, the Surface Pro 4 has to be attached to its Type cover. This sleek cover with full keyboard has a magnetic surface. This is a mechanical keyboard that takes power from the tablet and doesn't need any charging. The keys are comfortable to type on and the trackpad is responsive. When flipped back, the keys are disabled. This cover also protects the screen when the machine is not in use. It, however, isn't a part of the box and needs to be purchased separately for Rs 12,490.
Alternatives: It is a hybrid that takes care of computing needs and competes against the iPad Pro, which is retailing for Rs 99,990 (128 GB). The Pencil for iPad Pro must also be purchased separately.
